Grout builds up dirt, grime, and stains over time. While you can buy commercial grout cleaners, making your own DIY grout cleaner is easy, affordable and effective. We’ll share the 3 best homemade grout cleaner recipes that will have your grout looking like new again.
Why Homemade Grout Cleaners Work
Before we get into the recipes, let’s look at why homemade grout cleaners get great results:
- They contain mild acids – Common household ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda have mild acidic properties that help break down mineral deposits and lift stains without damaging grout.
- They fizz and bubble – When you combine acids with bases like baking soda, a chemical reaction happens that causes fizzing and bubbling. This action works to lift dirt from the grout surface.
- They’re safe for septic systems – Commercial grout cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like bleach that can kill septic system bacteria. DIY cleaners use septic-safe ingredients.
- They’re more affordable – Homemade cleaners only require common, inexpensive ingredients you likely already have at home.
Now let’s get to those homemade grout cleaner recipes!
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Grout Cleaner
This classic combo is one of the most popular and effective DIY grout cleaners. Here’s how it works:
What You Need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Old toothbrush or grout brush
How to Make It:
- Sweep or vacuum grout to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Make a thick baking soda paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply the paste to grout lines and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Spray white vinegar over the baking soda paste. The mixture will immediately start bubbling and fizzing as it works into the grout.
- Let the fizzy cleaner sit for 5 more minutes. Then scrub with a toothbrush or grout brush.
- Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth or rinse with water. Allow grout to fully dry.
The acid in the vinegar reacts with the alkaline baking soda to create carbon dioxide bubbles that work to lift dirt, grease and soap scum out of the grout. This effective cleaner can tackle most stains and costs just pennies to make.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Grout Cleaner
For a mold-killing grout cleaner, try this potent recipe:
What You Need:
- Baking soda
- 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- Spray bottle
- Toothbrush or grout brush
How to Make It:
- Sweep or vacuum grout to prep the area.
- Make a baking soda paste with equal parts baking soda and water. Spread paste onto dirty grout.
- Spray hydrogen peroxide onto the baking soda paste. Let bubble and fizz for 2-3 minutes.
- Scrub with a grout brush or old toothbrush.
- Wipe away paste and rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry completely.
The oxygen in the hydrogen peroxide works with the baking soda to create an aggressive bubble action that cleans deeply and kills mold, mildew and bacteria in the grout. This is a great weekly cleaner for mold-prone shower grout.
3. Lemon Juice and Borax Grout Cleaner
For brightening and whitening, try this citrus-borax combo:
What You Need:
- Lemon juice
- Borax powder
- Small bowl
- Grout brush
How to Make It:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl. Add borax and stir into a thick paste.
- Using an old toothbrush or grout brush, scrub the lemon-borax paste onto dirty grout lines.
- Let paste sit for 5-10 minutes. Then scrub again to lift stains.
- Rinse well and wipe away excess. Allow to fully dry.
The natural acidity in lemon juice paired with the gentle abrasiveness of borax makes an effective grout whitener. The citric acid works to dissolve mineral deposits and lift stains while the borax provides light scrubbing action.
Grout Cleaning Tips
Follow these tips to get the most out of your homemade grout cleaners:
- Always do a test spot in an inconspicuous area first to check for any discoloration.
- Apply paste cleaners carefully along the grout lines only, not all over the tile.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to avoid a cloudy vinegar or lemon residue.
- Re-apply yearly to prevent future buildup in problem areas.
- Use sealant on sanded, porous or outdoors grout to protect from future stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my grout?
For high traffic areas like the kitchen or bathrooms, clean grout 1-2 times per month. Low traffic areas only need cleaning every 2-3 months.
What’s the best homemade grout cleaner for mold and mildew?
The hydrogen peroxide and baking soda recipe works best for killing mold and mildew in grout. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant.
Will DIY grout cleaners damage my grout?
Not if used correctly. Avoid harsh abrasives and always test in an inconspicuous spot first. Don’t allow citrus cleaners to sit too long.
What’s the fastest way to clean grout?
For speed, use the baking soda and vinegar cleaner. The fizzing reaction works quickly to lift dirt faster than other methods.
Should I seal my grout after cleaning?
Sealing is recommended for sanded grout, outdoors grout, and porous grout to help protect it from future stains. Use a penetrating sealer, not a surface coating.
Conclusion
Next time your grout is looking grimy, try one of these easy, affordable DIY grout cleaner recipes using ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice.
The chemical reactions and natural acidic properties in these homemade cleaners work to lift dirt, kill mold and bacteria, remove stains and brighten grout back to like-new condition.
With just a little scrubbing elbow grease and these homemade grout cleaning solutions, you can easily and economically tackle dirty grout yourself and avoid calling in expensive professional cleaners. Just be sure to test first in an out of the way spot and thoroughly rinse afterward.
Now that you know the 3 best DIY grout cleaner recipes, you have no excuse for dingy, stained grout! Try these effective homemade solutions and restore the tile grout throughout your home.